2 Peter 2:19

Authorized King James Version

While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐλευθερίαν
G1657
liberty
freedom (legitimate or licentious, chiefly moral or ceremonial)
#2
αὐτοὶ
G846
them
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#3
ἐπαγγελλόμενοι
G1861
While they promise
to announce upon (reflexively), i.e., (by implication) to engage to do something, to assert something respecting oneself
#4
αὐτοὶ
G846
them
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#5
δοῦλοι
G1401
the servants
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
#6
ὑπάρχοντες
G5225
are
to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip
#7
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
φθορᾶς·
G5356
of corruption
decay, i.e., ruin (spontaneous or inflicted, literally or figuratively)
#9
ᾧ
G3739
of whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#10
γάρ
G1063
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#11
τις
G5100
a man
some or any person or object
#12
ἥττηται
G2274
is overcome
to make worse, i.e., vanquish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to rate lower
#13
τούτῳ
G5129
of the same
to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)
#14
καὶ
G2532
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
δεδούλωται
G1402
is he brought in bondage
to enslave (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

The covenant theme here intersects with God's relationship with His people from Abraham through the new covenant. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of evolution from creation covenant through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, to new covenant. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection